Amaryllis of Hippeastrum?Amaryllis or Hippeastrum? The names 'Amaryllis' and 'Hippeastrum' are often used interchangeably.

The true amaryllis (Amaryllis Belladonna) originates from South Africa and has massive stems. The cut flower with the thick hollow stems, that we call amaryllis, is actually hippeastrum. Hippeastrum originates from sub-tropical and tropical South America.

The amaryllis and hippeastrum are closely related and both belong to the daffodil family (Amaryllidaceae). The genus 'hippeastrum' includes about 70 varieties and over 600 cultivars and hybrids.

The name 'Amaryllis' comes from Greek mythology. The shepherdess Amaryllis pierced her heart for her unattainable love Alteo. Where the drops of blood hit the ground, a large red flower with a wide open calyx emerged. It was here that the tough shepherd Alteo and the remarkable girl Amaryllis kissed each other for the first time. The new flower was, logically, called 'Amaryllis'.

And amaryllis flowers are special. Sometimes, there will be six flowers at the strong stem. A fascinating display.

The name Hippeastrum comes from 'hippeus' (knight) and 'astrum' (star), hence the Dutch name 'Knight Star'. The bare stem has given it the name 'Naked Lady' in North America.

As far back as in the eighteenth century, the first hippeastrum varieties were imported from Mexico and South America by Dutchmen. In the Netherlands, but as well in the United States, Japan, Israel and Brazil, a lot of breeding work has been done, due to which the product knows many different colors and varieties. The double-flowered varieties in particular are very appealing today.